Resmed N20 mask

[woolno]

I use a Resmed N20 mask ( male ), and I have excellent AHI in the morning, and perfect seals on my nose.
My question is this - even with the mask fitting perfectly, I still feel that my nasal passages are stuffed in the morning. I have adjusted my humidity and temperature, and am satisfied with them. I was sized for a medium mask, and my nose still had a little space when using the fitting template, so I think the size is correct.
Why is it then that my nose feels as if it is being pushed in  from the sides when the mask is on? Could it be that I do need a large size? It almost feels as if it is too small. I know that these masks in effect inflate and provide some pressure - is what I am experiencing normal?

[SWsabre]

It sounds like the larger size may help although I've not used this particular mask.

[pholynyk]

A nasal mask, and most full-face masks, surround the nose, thus equalising the pressures inside and out. This is the same as not wearing the mask, in that respect. Now when I stand in front of a mirror and watch my nose when I breathe (no mask), I can see the sides of my nose pull in a little bit. I don't know if this happens to everybody - people get worried when you stare at their face for a while...

In any event, I think this is why people report that a pillows mask seems to reduce or eliminate congestion - the pressure is only on the inside, thus keeping the upper nasal passages wider.

That's my theory, and i'm sticking to it until somebody comes up with a better one.

[Jerzasnore]

I would try the large... I've got the same mask and bought the medium and thought maybe it was too big so I bought and tried the small and wearing the small made me feel the same was as you described... it felt like it was restricting the airflow through my nose so I went back to the medium and it's definitely the best mask I've ever owned.

[CB91710]

A nasal mask, and most full-face masks, surround the nose, thus equalising the pressures inside and out. This is the same as not wearing the mask, in that respect. Now when I stand in front of a mirror and watch my nose when I breathe (no mask), I can see the sides of my nose pull in a little bit. I don't know if this happens to everybody - people get worried when you stare at their face for a while...

In any event, I think this is why people report that a pillows mask seems to reduce or eliminate congestion - the pressure is only on the inside, thus keeping the upper nasal passages wider.

That's my theory, and i'm sticking to it until somebody comes up with a better one.

I would agree.

Also, the nasal mask seems to apply a small amount of pressure to the sides of my nose, so it tends to feel more restricted in general.
Going to a larger size simply results in a leak blowing into my eye.